The Vodafone Warriors rehab squad is set to be reduced to three with fullback Kevin Locke (pictured) poised to return from the hip flexor injury which has ruled him out of the last two NRL matches against Manly and the Sydney Roosters. Photo: Photosport.
Locke was ultimately ruled out of Monday nights clash against the Roosters after originally being selected.
With the Vodafone Warriors having the first of their two byes this week, the 77-game veteran has an extra week to continue his recovery, leaving him in line to be considered for the 16th-round encounter with Brisbane at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, June 30 (4.00pm kick-off; match day: Herald on Sunday).
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Locke's anticipated return would leave the Vodafone Warriors with the healthiest squad they've had all season with just the three long-term injured players in the casualty ward props Sione Lousi and Steve Rapira and back rower Ben Henry, all out with season-ending ACL knee injuries.
Halfback Shaun Johnson and winger Manu Vatuvei both had niggling complaints after last nights 23-12 win over the Roosters in Sydney but there are no concerns about either player as they each eye some time off this week.
Johnson went into the match with some concerns about a groin injury which resulted in him handing over the goal-kicking responsibilities to Feleti Mateo for the night. However, Johnson subsequently kicked a penalty goal and a field goal late in the match both from close range and wasn't hampered when he sensationally chased down Roosters centre Micheal Jennings to make a try-saving tackle in the first half.
While Vatuvei's hamstrings tightened up after his blistering 92-metre dash for the match-clinching try late in contest, he's expected to be fit for the Brisbane match.
The current injury list is:
Kevin Locke hip flexor (round 16)
Ben Henry knee (out for season)
Sione Lousi knee (out for season)
Steve Rapira knee (out for season)
Locke was ultimately ruled out of Monday nights clash against the Roosters after originally being selected.
With the Vodafone Warriors having the first of their two byes this week, the 77-game veteran has an extra week to continue his recovery, leaving him in line to be considered for the 16th-round encounter with Brisbane at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, June 30 (4.00pm kick-off; match day: Herald on Sunday).
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS TO THE VODAFONE WARRIORS' NEXT HOME GAME AGAINST BRISBANE ON JUNE 30
Locke's anticipated return would leave the Vodafone Warriors with the healthiest squad they've had all season with just the three long-term injured players in the casualty ward props Sione Lousi and Steve Rapira and back rower Ben Henry, all out with season-ending ACL knee injuries.
Halfback Shaun Johnson and winger Manu Vatuvei both had niggling complaints after last nights 23-12 win over the Roosters in Sydney but there are no concerns about either player as they each eye some time off this week.
Johnson went into the match with some concerns about a groin injury which resulted in him handing over the goal-kicking responsibilities to Feleti Mateo for the night. However, Johnson subsequently kicked a penalty goal and a field goal late in the match both from close range and wasn't hampered when he sensationally chased down Roosters centre Micheal Jennings to make a try-saving tackle in the first half.
While Vatuvei's hamstrings tightened up after his blistering 92-metre dash for the match-clinching try late in contest, he's expected to be fit for the Brisbane match.
The current injury list is:
Kevin Locke hip flexor (round 16)
Ben Henry knee (out for season)
Sione Lousi knee (out for season)
Steve Rapira knee (out for season)
